I was pleased to give updates on my blog Trail and Error.

If you haven't been following the saga the following links are in order

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/559860/Trial-and-Error-UpDATED 

http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/569534/Fabulous-Follow-up-on

about the homeowner's who ended up firing the hobby stager due to lack of quality inventory, length of time it was taking to stage, and a few other unprofessional techniques. The Realtor called us in a bit of a panic when the homeowners decided to hire Staged to Sell instead. She was worried we would not be able to fit the project in at the late date. But, of course, we did.

They hired Staged to Sell for our reputation, professionalism and quality.

We'll fast forward one and a half weeks.

I received a call today from the Realtor.

FIVE OFFERS

ONE IN ESCROW

ONE AS A BACK UP OFFER

AND BOTH OFFERS ARE STRONG!

Don't gamble with your equity hire the right Professional Staging Company. You get what you pay for.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Whenever I ask a stager that question I get the funniest look...

"What do you mean what kind of customer?... A paying one of course!"

We'll that goes without saying. We all want customers who;

1. Don't argue about the price

2. Pay the deposit on time and have the remainder waiting for us on staging day

3. Their check or credit card goes through on the first try and if they have to extend their contract they pay before the date its due.

But that is not what I am talking about.  What kind of customer are you looking for...If you don't look for a certain kind of customer you are bound to be spending time and money on the wrong ones.

But how do you get those customers you want and make sure you don't waste time on ones that you don't?

I used a technique that worked well for me during my single years when I was deciding on a mate. I made a list of what the perfect guy for me was...intelligent, creative, funny, sexy, handsome and interesting. My husband Graham fit the list so well I figured this method might work for me in other ways. So I use the same method with my client criteria; I make a list.

What kind of Realtor customer do I want? Honest, professional, reliable, loyal, timely, respectful, a good partner, credible, ethical and FUN! That's my ideal Realtor client.

What kind of Homeowner customer do I want? Honest, sincere, reliable, true to their word, communicative, respectful, appreciative and FUN! That's my ideal homeowner client.

Are you attracting a different kind of customer? Maybe you have different criteria. Whatever is the case, make sure you have a list and search out the kind of customers you really want. Don't waste your time on the ones that don't fit your list.  They usually soak up all your time and cost you money.  We all like to associate people that have the same standards and ethics as we do. It should be no different with our clients. Target Market - but make sure you know what target you are looking for.

At www.Staged-to-Sell.com we are so fortunate to have incredible Realtor and Homeowner clients and I appreciate every single one of them!

Attract those great clients. Write down what you are looking for and go get them! 

Kym Hough's Staged to Sell serves Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in Northern California.  Kym is also co-owner of  www.StagersLIST.com where she has her own Virtual Consigment Shop.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN $100.00 WORTH OF QUALITY FAUX FOOD?

It's easy...here's how

Click on to www.StagersLIST.com and go to the "Contact" section located at the bottom of the home page. Click on the Events link and email us your best FAUX FOOD display from a current or past staging.

How easy is that?

The photos will be voted upon by our Charter Partners - see Partners Section located on the bottom of the home page for judges - and the winner will be announced on Active Rain August 25th.  The winner will then be able to shop on www.StagersLIST.com for $100.00 worth of FREE FAUX FOOD and it will be delivered to their door.

At www.StagersLIST.com we have cakes, ice, and pitchers of ice tea and much more all at outstanding quality and prices.  We have partnered with a fabulous supplier who hand makes each item and ships them out directly to our clients.  They are American Made by a family owned business who has been crafting their faux food items for years and are leaders in their industry.

Here is just a sampling of some of the items you could select if you WIN!

 Large bowl of Popcorn

 Refreshing glass of lemonade

 Large Luscious Tart - great on a cake plate in a gourmet kitchen

Since the prices at www.StagersLIST.com are the best around you have more dollars to purchase more items! If you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and are coming to the First Annual Bay Area Stagers Expo on July 17th you will be able to view many of these items and possible win some in our raffle. Go to our trade association site RESA to register for the event for free.

Rules and Requirements:

1. All submissions must be received no later than August 15th to be considered.

2. Photos submitted are considered the property of www.StagersLIST.com and may be used in promotional efforts.

3. All photos (Maximum of 5 photos per person) must be accompanied with the following information:

Your Name

Company Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Website Address

Name/type of product

If you would like to put additional information about the property or environment that the product was used in on display, please include that information.

Winners will be announced on August 25th right here on Active Rain.

Enter today at www.StagersLIST.com and show us your FAUX FOOD!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Don't miss out.  We are just two weeks away from the first annual Bay Area Staging Expo.  It's a fantastic opportunity to be connected with other professionals in our industry and to learn about vendors and techniques that will move your business forward! You can't afford to miss this event!  It's easy to register for FREE. Just go to www.StagersLIST.com and look for the Expo button on the home page. You will be entered to particapate in a raffle for prizes worth $1,000.00! Register TODAY!

You're Invited!  San Francisco, East Bay, and South Bay Professional Stagers are invited to the First Annual Bay Area Staging Expo on July 17th from 2 to 6pm. JOIN US for valuable insight into the staging and real estate industries . Please visit our website to download a brochure. Sign up by July 3rd, 2008 to be eligible for great Expo Raffle Prizes! Become THE resident EXPERT for your clients in ONE DAY! Fill your back pocket with a solution for every problem your come across. Popcorn ceiling giving you flashbacks to 1979? Out of date brass chandelier the first impression on the property?  Front yard look like a tornado hit it? Can't figure out if you can keep any of the homeowner's furniture because you can't see it under the clutter?  The carpet needs replacing, but payment needs to be out of escrow? What can I do with the staging accessories that I am tired of? Come to THE EXPO and discover the answers!  Seating is limited to the first 120 registrants, so reserve NOW! THE EXPO will be held at the NEW Welcome Home Furniture Rental Warehouse at 6938 Sierra Court in Dublin, California 94568 (925) 828-3463. JOIN other industry professionals for the opportunity to hear special guest speaker Christine Rae.  Christine is widely recognized as a leading visionary in the home staging industry.   Christine will be speaking on how to utilize the trends in your market place to improve your business.  You will also hear from: A 6 year veteran Professional Stager and marketing expert on how to Market Your Business Daily. A 31 year Realtor Professional present What YOU need to know about Real Estate TODAY Veteran furniture Industry Professionals on How to earn FREE furniture rental and have the opportunity to purchase home accessories for your business at STRAIGHT WHOLESALE.   Space is limited. Go to www.StagersLIST.com today to sign up for FREE. Forward this message to a friend | Welcome Home Furniture Rental 6938 Sierra Court, Dublin, CA 94568 Event Sponsored by:  StagersLIST.com and Welcome Home Furniture Rental

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I am a very fortunate professional stager. I have wonderful Realtor clients, many who I have had since the beginning of my business almost 6 years ago.

I love working with new Realtors too. That look in their eye when they meet us and see the magic we do and say things "where have you been my entire career?" It makes you feel warm all over.

My absolute favorite thing to do though is to be on a Realtor Team.  A valuable member of the team who is brought into every job. Those Realtors would not think of listing a house without us! We have several Realtors who feel that way and I would do almost anything to help them sell their listing.

One particular Realtor that I have the pleasure of working with in this way is Terrylynn Fisher, Diablo Realtor.  We have been staging together a while now and I always enjoy the experience.  Terrylynn is the only Realtor that I actual stage with as she has been staging for over 18 years and has her own inventory.  Sure I bring my truck and sprinkle a few of my props or sometimes provide a piece of furniture, lamps and artwork when needed. BUT Terrylynn has been gathering her staging props for a long time and has some really great items.

Last Thursday we spent the entire day doing just that...staging a vacant listing with the assistance of her wonderful husband Bob. The homeowners followed all the instructions, new granite, paint, carpet and fixtures. We spent all day and well into the early evening doing our thing.

Two days later offer...and now it's sold.  When you are part of a team you can't lose.

 Kym Hough's Staged to Sell Services Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda and the entire Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. www.Staged-to-Sell.com and www.StagersLIST.com

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I just wanted to share the comment from the Realtor who worked so hard for me on the situation with the hobby stager that I shared with A/R a week ago on a blog called Trial and Error http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/559860/Trial-and-Error-UpDATED .

If you may recall the homeowners were cutting corners and received five bids from Stagers and picked the lowest bid which was a hobby stager because of price. Then when the stager started to stage they were not happy and fired her and came back to me to do the job. 

We did the job this week.

Here is the comment from the wonderful Realtor Soraya.

"Kym you are phenominal!!! I had about 120 realtors through today at the brokers tour and they loved the house the staging - everything-- I gave your card to at least a dozen realtors that asked about you and raved about you!  The peones are beautiful - I gave them a fresh cut and more water - dont worry I use to own a flourist boutique so I knew what I was doing they needed a fresh cut to drink so they will look beautiful over the weekend...very impressive and fabulous choice of flowers -- very chic and different.  I am just loving it more and more our pictures came out great - I will forward them to you.  By the way one of the realtors Jon Lasky asked how much it was I told him around  $4k.  Anyway, I cant thank you enough it is so wonderful to have the home look sooo good you really did a fabulous job.

 Warm regards,

Soraya, Prudential, Berkeley

 Stick to your Guns Professional Stagers! Quality and Expertise will win every time!

Kym Hough, Staged to Sell, 925-212-1833, www.Staged-to-Sell.com and www.StagersLISt.com

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

The homeowners spent six weeks working on this property day and night to prepare it for market.  They did all the work themselves and really took pride in their task.  They were beaming when we were done with the enhancement staging of this vacant house and it's a large part of why we do what we do!  This Master Bedroom was quirky and an odd shape, but we made it flow and feel warm and inviting.

Before Staged to Sell

After Staged to Sell

Before Staged to Sell

After Staged to Sell

 This is an in-law unit in the back of the main house.

 For more information go to www.Staged-to-Sell.com and see additional before and afters. Kym Hough's Staged to Sell services Berkeley, Oakland, and the entire Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Proudly Presents
THE
First Annual Bay Area Home Staging Expo

July 17, 2008

   JOIN  industry professionals for the opportunity to hear Christine Rae, Staging Expert/Trainer and Author of Staging for Dummies present  

  Trends in Your Market Place

 In Addition,

 Speakers on Marketing Your Business Daily

and What you NEED to Know About the Real Estate Industry TODAY!

 AND

Much MORE!

 WHERE: Welcome Home Furniture Rental Warehouse

6938 Sierra Court Dublin, California 94568     

  WHEN:  Thursday, July 17th, 2008  -  2 to 6 pm

 Industry Suppliers will have booths available for great Resourcing of product

 Sign Up on-line today and it's FREE

Go To:  www.StagersLIST.com  or

 www.Welcomehomestaging.com

 to Register by email and you will be entered into the Expo Raffle a $1,000 Value.

 Also sponsored by RESA www.realestatestagingassociation.com and Certified Training Professionals www.csptraining.com

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Woohoo...It's was a red banner day today for my Virtual Consignment Shop.  I have been working with a seller on his property for the past month or so. He has a tenant that is moving out in two months and we are trying to prepare and put the property on the market this week. 

It's a bit of a challenge when the person living in the property is not the stakeholder in the sale.  You end up having conversations like:

"Really, it's a good thing that we are go come in and stage your home and have buyers walking through looking at everything while you are still paying rent."

 Or 

"Could you please remove this very long list of items so we can come in and stage the property while you leave for the entire day?"

The Realtor and I actually were not having much luck at all getting cooperation of this tenant.  He had moved from Denver, Colorado about a year ago and he still had not unpacked all of his boxes. He also had 12 or so items that he had no use for and didn't know how to get rid of them. He was a busy guy working day and night and just didn't have time to deal with any aspect of staging. What to do?

Easy... I stopped by one day with some information on my Virtual Consignment Shop.  "There's nothing to it," I told him.  "I come in and take photos of the items you no longer want or need. I then upload them on my Virtual Consignment Shop on www.StagersLIST.com and coordinate the sale. I deduct 20% of the sale price and problem solved."

He loved it. We went around the house and in 15 minutes he made his selections, gave me the prices and away I went.

I went back to the office, uploaded the items and within three days two of the items were purchased by a Stager in Sacramento.

She will be down this week to pick up the items. An adorable red locker set for $25.00 and a cute little cola machine for $20.00. She has a property she is staging on Friday and the items are perfect.

If you have a Virtual Consigment Shop on www.StagersLIST.com, great. Make sure you have your free button for your site - here's mine. If you don't have one, sign up for one today it's just $20.00 a month and you can make that back off of one item. Sell your inventory, sell your clients furnishings or just find great stuff new or used! It's a great way to increase your revenue stream!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I was one of the "oh so lucky" people who was called for Jury Duty last week in our County seat of Martinez. Now don't get me wrong I really don't mind doing my service and I am more than happy to put criminals behind bars even though trials can be very long and boring.  The thing is its June. June, June, June, one of the busiest months of the year for us stagers and to be called away from work to maybe sit on a jury for up to two or three months just doesn't work for me.

I tried my best to get it differed, but since I deferred already this year in April, another busy month, they were not letting me off this time. Therefore, I moved my appointments around and went in every day waiting for the moment that they would let me go. Every time they picked a new person to interview I would cross fingers on both hands and my toes and I would never make eye contact with the clerk.  I waited, and waited, and waited.  Three days of jury selection - it was excruciating. Meanwhile, I would  answer voice mails on the breaks and work on my lap top at lunch.  During one of these breaks I received a call from Randy a local Realtor who found me on Active Rain and wanted me to bid on a property!

It's so nice to know that even though I was doing almost nothing to generate business for those three days my Active Rain blog was still percolating business for me. 

At the end of the third day at four minutes to 4:00 I was dismissed from service. I ran out the door, hopped in my car and met Randy the Realtor at the property.  Even though I was biding against another stager whose bid was less than mine, I got the job.  Randy like my profile and photos on Active Rain and could see that we do quality work.

Two days later we staged. Another success story right here on Active Rain!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

It happened about three weeks ago...I received a call from a very nice Realtor in the Berkeley area who was referred to me by a current client. She wanted me to meet with her homeowner clients and put together a bid on a small craftsman style home in the heart of Berkeley.

I met the Realtor and the homeowner at the property. Took pictures; gave them my information; talked about the Cobalt Blue exterior and went on my way. I submitted the proposal two days later and received a phone call back the next day. They loved me, loved my work and website but they had received five bids and I was in the middle range. They were on a very tight budget (who isn't?) and would I consider dropping my price to meet the lowest one who was a hobby stager (her words not mine).

I said that I couldn't do that, but I would deduct a few things and lower it a bit. The Realtor called to tell me that because of budget they decided to go with the hobby stager, the lowest bid. She kept me on the phone for 45 minutes telling me that she was sorry because she just loved me and wanted to work with me and looks forward to the next time.

One week later - here is the phone call from the Realtor

"Kym, oh my what have we done?  I just got a call from the Homeowners' they want me to drop everything and come over to the house." She went on to explain that the stager was at the house (three hours late) conducting her first day of staging (she estimated five days of staging) and they hated everything she was doing. "We are going to fire her and pay you to come and do it, do you have any openings?" She continued. "I just can't micro manage a stager I have enough to do...that's why I hire a stager in the first place!"

Fast forward one week later - we spent 1/2 day today packing the truck for this house to stage on Monday...I still wasn't the cheapest, but they realized, finally, that you get what you pay for.

On Monday, my crew and I will get there around 10:30 a.m. and be done by 5:00 p.m. We have insurance in case a mirror falls off the wall and hurt someone; we have an efficient crew, so it will be done in a day and on the market quickly; and the Realtor will be getting no phone calls in a panic.

Make sure budget is not your only gauge when hiring a Home Stager. Your equity is too important to gamble with!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Our very own Terrylynn Fisher, Diablo Realty and Lachelle Johnson, Aloha Staging were featured on a Home Staging segment on Channel 2 today at 5:00 Pacific Standard time. The segment will run again this evening at 10:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Terrylynn was sought out as an expert in the field to discuss the current market  and the creative ways Stagers are staying in business. Lachelle showed the crew around the warehouse and talked about inventory. It was a great piece. Check it out if you are able.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I tell my clients, friends and acquaintances, "I Love My Job," for many reasons. It is such an honor to be trusted with my client's possessions and properties. They meet me once or twice and the next thing you know they are gone for the day and my crew and I have taken over their property and are in their homes with our hands on EVERYTHING! What an honor to be trusted with their most valued possessions.

One of the many delicate situations we run into is how to tell our clients that certain items are best taken down to market their property correctly. One of my favorite tips is "No Dead, no naked, no guns." Of course, that means no deer heads, no nude paintings and no guns or knives or swords etc. Surprisingly not everyone understands why they are not a desirable item on a wall while selling a property.

The other sensitive item is religious artifacts. A very sensitive issue here. We educate the seller that we respect their beliefs but we need to keep the door open to buyers from all walks of lives, backgrounds and beliefs.  Here is an example of that at a house we staged on Friday of last week.

That is what the true value of bringing a Professional Home Stager. We delicately work with the seller to present the property in the best light so that the Realtor can do their job, which is selling the property!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I tell my clients, friends and acquaintances, "I Love My Job," for many reasons. It is such an honor to be trusted with my client's possessions and properties. They meet me once or twice and the next thing you know they are gone for the day and my crew and I have taken over their property and are in their homes with our hands on EVERYTHING! What an honor to be trusted with their most valued possessions.

One of the many delicate situations we run into is how to tell our clients that certain items are best taken down to market their property correctly. One of my favorite tips is "No Dead, no naked, no guns." Of course, that means no deer heads, no nude paintings and no guns or knives or swords etc. Surprisingly not everyone understands why they are not a desirable item on a wall while selling a property.

The other sensitive item is religious artifacts. A very sensitive issue here. We educate the seller that we respect their beliefs but we need to keep the door open to buyers from all walks of lives, backgrounds and beliefs.  Here is an example of that at a house we staged on Friday of last week.

That is what the true value of bringing a Professional Home Stager. We delicately work with the seller to present the property in the best light so that the Realtor can do their job, which is selling the property!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

These homeowners are avid fans of HGTV. Heck with 87 million viewers who isn't a fan of HGTV? They knew the property was going up for sale and they knew a stager was coming to over to take a look. They decided to prepare it just like they were told to do by the shows and agents. Get rid of all the clutter. Yes, clutter is not good for selling a house, but naked is cold and uninviting too.  Make sure you set the right stage for your property and hire a professional stager to strike the right balance.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I had a lovely client this week who was referred to me by one of my favorite Realtors. My client was high energy and could almost speak as rapidly as I so we got along famously.  I met her at 9:00 in the morning and she had already been up for hours working on her business, getting her kids off to school and making phone calls to clients. I thought right off the bat "we could be twins." 

When we arrived we got right down to business and when you have two people who speak rapidly it doesn't take long to do that... we previewed the home, talked about details of what was needed, looked at our calendars and put the wheels in motion. On the way out of the house I noticed an area I hadn't seen before. I stopped, and peered through the bushes and decided to investigate (why did I wear heels today?). Just a few steps from the front door I grabbed a stick and poked through some brush and low and behold I struck water. 

I went back in and asked my client to come outside and we walked together through the mud (those darn heels) to the pile. I used the stick to poke around a bit and we discussed exactly what was hidden underneath.  My client said "Oh that, many moons ago (her words not mine) my husband Hal built me a lovely pond with a waterfall, sitting area, and Koi.  We enjoyed it for a few years and one year the raccoons got to the fish so we just let it go to seed.  Why? Do you think its worth anything in selling the house?"

My response was immediate, "Yes! Water SELLS! 

Make sure you show all features of your property.  Especially custom features that really sets your home apart. Uncover those gems that will get buyers attention and you will be rewarded with offers.  I am so sure that Water Sells that when my husband and I bought our home in Danville five years ago the first thing we did was put in two ponds and a tranquility water wall off our bedroom. Water is soothing, tranquil and best, not that expensive of an upgrade. We did the entire thing ourselves for just a few hundred dollars.  AND its a great place for three of our four dogs and I to hang out and relax after a long day staging.

I know from my experience that Kitchens are 62% of the buying decision when selling a house (we upgraded that too), but these little extras such as water features, lights showcasing your property at night (27% of the buyers go by a potential home at night) and outdoor kitchens (at least here in CA) help catch the buyers heart when making their decision between two or more properties. 

If you don't know what features of a house are worth investing in to get that return Hire a STAGER! They can help guide you away from expensive mistakes and help you invest in areas that make the most sense for resale. Even if you are not selling any time soon, everyone eventually sells. Make smart choices now and you will be happier later.

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

This is a lovely home. The client had put everything, and I mean everything, away prior to Staged to Sell coming and doing our preview/consultation at the request of Julie Long of J. Rockcliff Realtor in Danville, CA.  She had listened to her friends and thought it was best to get rid of anything that was lying on a surface except for some furniture (and much of that was gone) and a few candles and pictures.  As we went through the home we calculated that we had to supply accessories, artwork, lamps, and a some bedding to really make this home shine, but that there were some great furnishing to work with - they were just in the wrong areas. That is what staging is all about, finding the treasures that the homeowners have to set the property apart from the competition and make it shine.

The RESULTS a NEW LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM Using mostly the homeowner's treasures including the painting over the fireplace which was in the garage!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

Two trucks, 5 member staging crew, dozens of boxes of accessories, 5 custom florals, living room full of furniture, lots of artwork, and three bedding sets.  Just a few of the items we brought in to this lovely home in the Ruby Hill's area of Pleasanton.  We did the enhancement staging in one day, but the work had started a month before our trucks loads of staging props arrived.

We started with a consultation. We brought along our team member Dave Casteel, the best painter in town, and went through the property room by room. We pointed out a few key items to the homeowner, made our notes and went on our way to write up the room by room report of what was needed to get the property in the best possible condition for the market.

We met with the homeowner a week later. Went through the report including the grounds and garage and agreed on what were the most important items that needed to be done.

Dave the Painter came with his crew, landscapers too, and then it was our turn. In one day we did our magic. Our team member Gary Feldman from Omni Virtual Tours came in the next day and took the photos and virtual tour, oh my the photos are gorgeous, so that the property would be marketed properly on the web.  The fabulous Realtor team did the open house and that was it! Five days later, two offers, SOLD.

Asking Price 1.8. Scheduling a pick up as we speak.

When you do everything to make your property the best product in the area it SELLS!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

I am a member of Decorator Alliance primarily for their information about trends and color, etc.  Let's face it if we took time to do all the research ourselves we would never have time to stage!  I usually find their monthly update really good - even better than their newsletter.  This one seemed a worthy one to share as we tweak our inventory for the beginning of this year.  Another helpful hint for all of you busy stagers is if you don't have time to visit model homes to see what they are up to, most of them have websites with at least a few of their rooms shown. Late at night all cozy in our beds with our laptops on our knees is much easier than spending our Sundays going from model to model! Enjoy. Kym 

This is reprinted with permission by the Decorator Alliance and Diane Haynie

December 18, 2007

Design Trends for 2008
by Diane Haynie

The bi-annual Paris tradeshow released some design trends for 2008 as follows:

Moroccan remains very popular.  This includes handcrafted leather items, perforated metal, blown glass, hanging pendants and woven textiles.

Glitz and shine are in.  This would include metallic sculptures, bronze,
platinum and gold colors and accessories and floral patterns in these
metallic colors.  Lots of shine! This trend is as a result of the Marie Antoinette movie that was released earlier this year.  (must have been big in France since I don't even remember it!!)

What Paris is calling Chalet Chic - we might call Country or Lodge.  This is the comfortable look of heavy wools and plaids, raw wood, hunting themes, cuckoo clocks, quilts, animal motifs and folk art. This trend comes from our need in today's society for comfort and security.

Asian continues to grow in popularity.  This style uses clean, vibrant
colors of reds, whites and glossy blacks. Beautiful embroidered fabrics with Asian inspired floral and bird themes are available.  The bamboo look in furniture and fabrics is important to this theme. This trend comes from the ever increasing presence of Asia in politics, manufacturing, exporting etc.

Decorators Alliance of North America
3603 Buckingham Circle, Middletown, NJ 07748

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com

The environment has always been under debate in our household. We are not naturally Eco minded individuals even though we live in California. It's not that we don't love Mother Earth, we just haven't spent the time or effort to really make it an important aspect in our lives. It can be a bit overwhelming if you try to wrap your mind and arms around it all at one time. We'll that's changing.

We remodeled our kitchen last year and designed and installed it ourselves. We put in special drawers in our pantry one for garbage and one for recycling. How easy is that? We have no excuse not to separate our garbage now. Ok, its a small thing, but every little thing helps.

Recently, I was in line at the grocery store and the man in front of me was buying 10 light bulbs. They were all the energy efficient kind and when his total came up on the register it was just $2.50! I couldn't believe it. I was always under the impression that the energy efficient bulbs were so expensive. It turns out that our Energy company here, PG&E, has been sponsoring a program to buy the bulbs for practically nothing! I got out of line and purchased 40 bulbs for a whopping $10.00. I went back the next day and bought 40 more. When you are a stager and put up to 25 lamps in each home you need a lot of bulbs.  I came right home and replaced all the lamp bulbs in my house and brought them to the warehouse and had my crew replace every lamp bulb in the place, and will be going back for more.

This is just the beginning. That little bit made me feel so good I am going for more! I haven't stopped reading for weeks now and its only getting better. The plan is now in the works for getting Green Certified in my business which I will of course market to my clients and help them do the same!

Little changes do big things!

- Click here to view this blog on ActiveRain.com